Body Fat Calculator
Body Fat Calculator
Body fat percentage is a more accurate indicator of health than weight alone. This calculator uses the US Navy Method, which is widely used by fitness professionals and military organizations.
Key Terms
- Body Fat Percentage — The proportion of your body weight that is fat tissue.
- Lean Body Mass — Everything in your body that isn't fat (muscles, bones, organs).
- Essential Fat — The minimum amount of fat needed for normal bodily function.
- US Navy Method — A formula using height, waist, and neck measurements to estimate body fat.
US Navy Method Formula
Men: %BF = 495 / (1.0324 - 0.19077 × log(waist-neck) + 0.15456 × log(height)) - 450Women: %BF = 495 / (1.29579 - 0.35004 × log(waist+hip-neck) + 0.22100 × log(height)) - 450
Body Fat Categories (Men)
- 2-5% — Essential fat (minimum for health)
- 6-13% — Athletes
- 14-17% — Fitness
- 18-24% — Average
- 25%+ — Obese
Body Fat Categories (Women)
- 10-13% — Essential fat
- 14-20% — Athletes
- 21-24% — Fitness
- 25-31% — Average
- 32%+ — Obese
Tips for Measuring
- Measure waist at the narrowest point (usually at the navel).
- Measure neck below the larynx with tape sloping downward.
- Take measurements in the morning before eating.
- Use a non-stretch tape measure for accuracy.
- Track trends over time rather than single measurements.